Latest news with #TrevorParsons
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Nature reserve was once an industrial landscape of smoke and steam
Found on the Hampshire coast, the Lymington Nature Reserve isn't just a haven for wildlife, it's a place with a history vastly different from today's settings. For over 2,000 years, this area was a hub of sea salt production, with the industry flourishing by medieval times and peaking in the early 18th century with 163 active saltpans. The marshes were an industrial landscape of smoke and steam, a far cry from today's tranquil scenes, as can be seen in these pictures by Echo Camera Club member Trevor Parsons. The last saltern closed in 1865, leaving behind unique archaeological remnants that tell a story of human ingenuity and toil. The pivotal shift towards conservation began in the mid-20th century. The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust started its involvement in 1961, establishing a private nature reserve on 20 acres of salterns. Read more: Bournemouth stonemason stopped bones being stolen from grave Cherished park in Bournemouth shaped by centuries of shared ownership Memories of a much-loved pub that was demolished to make way for flats Mystery of how town's oldest pub got its name The many links between Bournemouth and the Titanic This was swiftly followed by Hampshire County Council's "far-sighted policy" of land acquisition, beginning in 1974, to protect these vital coastal habitats from rapid development. Today, the combined Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes Local Nature Reserve spans more than 1200 hectares, a mosaic of mudflats, salt marshes, shingle banks, and saline lagoons. Its ecological importance is underscored by international designations like Ramsar and Special Protection Area status, vital for countless bird species and rare invertebrates. Yet, this dynamic coastal environment faces ongoing challenges, from coastal squeeze and rising sea levels to declining breeding bird populations, highlighting the continuous need for adaptive management and dedicated stewardship.
CTV News
09-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Newfoundland man describes escape from fire that turned town into a ‘black hole'
A wildfire state of emergency still in place in Adam's Cove, but residents are expected to return soon as the weather improves. Kamil Karamali reports. 'It's not a town anymore. It's a black hole.' That's how Trevor Parsons described what's left of his parents' neighbourhood, which was ravaged by flames in the Avalon region in eastern Newfoundland. The fire began Wednesday in the town of Adam's Cove and forced evacuations along the shore of Conception Bay. He says his parents, who need help with mobility, may not have escaped in time if it weren't for his sister, who was staying with them at the time. 'She was out by the door and smelled smoke,' he told CTV News. She piled the family into the car and drove to the nearest exit from the town — Small Point-Adam's Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove — that was quickly being engulfed by a 'ball of fire.' Newfoundland fire Fires rage in northeastern Newfoundland, leveling homes and other structures. (Image courtesy of Trevor Parsons) The flames had grown and soon loomed over treetops, he said. 'They only got out with the clothes on their backs.' The family was able to leave with their dog, but they couldn't find their cat, Parsons explained. He returned to the house at around 2 a.m. to rescue the feline, which had found refuge under a camper and is now back in his parents' custody. When he returned to the property, the camper was still standing, but the house was reduced to its bones. 'The whole street, every second and third house, is burnt,' he said. 'It was like hell breaking out.' Newfoundland fire These images shared by Trevor Parsons show what remains of his parents' property following a ravaging wildfire. Rainfall helped to quell the flames. Officials declared the fire surrounding Adam's Cove — the largest of six fires that broke out in the area — had been contained after it seriously damaged around 40 structures. As of 11 a.m. on Friday, about 501 hectares had been affected, according to Newfoundland's active wildfire dashboard . The province says there remains a high risk of wildfires in the northeast. Waterbombers were dispatched to tamp down the fire. Newfoundland Power cut off electricity at the perimeter of the evacuation zone. Crews remained stationed there to ensure power could be restored quickly once the fire was contained enough to do so. Parsons says he's got his parent staying with him now. They're happy to have their pets, but he says it's only 'sinking in now' that so much else has been lost. They're not alone — Small Point-Adam's Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove Mayor Curtis Delaney said about 150 people showed up for a community breakfast in the town hall Thursday morning, according to the Canadian Press. Inside, tables were piled with water, snacks, diapers and toiletries. People were feeling hopeful, and grateful for the rain, Delaney said. With files from The Canadian Press
CTV News
09-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Newfoundland man describes escape from fire that turned town into a ‘black hole'
A wildfire state of emergency still in place in Adam's Cove, but residents are expected to return soon as the weather improves. Kamil Karamali reports. 'It's not a town anymore. It's a black hole.' That's how Trevor Parsons described what's left of his parents' neighbourhood, which was ravaged by flames in the Avalon region in eastern Newfoundland. The fire began Wednesday in the town of Adam's Cove and forced evacuations along the shore of Conception Bay. He says his parents, who need help with mobility, may not have escaped in time if it weren't for his sister, who was staying with them at the time. 'She was out by the door and smelled smoke,' he told CTV News. She piled the family into the car and drove to the nearest exit from the town — Small Point-Adam's Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove — that was quickly being engulfed by a 'ball of fire.' Newfoundland fire Fires rage in northeastern Newfoundland, leveling homes and other structures. (Image courtesy of Trevor Parsons) The flames had grown and soon loomed over treetops, he said. 'They only got out with the clothes on their backs.' The family was able to leave with their dog, but they couldn't find their cat, Parsons explained. He returned to the house at around 2 a.m. to rescue the feline, which had found refuge under a camper and is now back in his parents' custody. When he returned to the property, the camper was still standing, but the house was reduced to its bones. 'The whole street, every second and third house, is burnt,' he said. 'It was like hell breaking out.' Newfoundland fire These images shared by Trevor Parsons show what remains of his parents' property following a ravaging wildfire. Rainfall helped to quell the flames. Officials declared the fire surrounding Adam's Cove — the largest of six fires that broke out in the area — had been contained after it seriously damaged around 40 structures. As of 11 a.m. on Friday, about 501 hectares had been affected, according to Newfoundland's active wildfire dashboard . The province says there remains a high risk of wildfires in the northeast. Waterbombers were dispatched to tamp down the fire. Newfoundland Power cut off electricity at the perimeter of the evacuation zone. Crews remained stationed there to ensure power could be restored quickly once the fire was contained enough to do so. Parsons says he's got his parent staying with him now. They're happy to have their pets, but he says it's only 'sinking in now' that so much else has been lost. They're not alone — Small Point-Adam's Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove Mayor Curtis Delaney said about 150 people showed up for a community breakfast in the town hall Thursday morning, according to the Canadian Press. Inside, tables were piled with water, snacks, diapers and toiletries. People were feeling hopeful, and grateful for the rain, Delaney said. With files from The Canadian Press
